When Holiday Guilt Trips Backfire: How One Savvy Couple Flipped the Script on Their FIL’s Christmas Ultimatum
Ah, the holidays: that magical time of year when twinkling lights, carols, and a deluge of family guilt trips descend upon us like snowflakes in a blizzard. For some, it’s a season of joy. For others, it’s a season of strategizing—especially when a certain family member decides to weaponize nostalgia, sick relatives, and “family tradition” to get their way.
If you’ve ever had a parent or in-law who thinks their passive-aggressive sighs and pointed reminders about “what really matters” will have you booking flights faster than Santa on Christmas Eve, you’re not alone. But Redditor u/Ghost_Crier_97 has delivered a tale of petty revenge so relatable, it’s practically a stocking stuffer for anyone dreading the annual guilt gauntlet.
A Holiday Heist—But Make It Petty
Let’s set the scene: Our protagonist and her husband live over ten hours away from the family homestead. Her husband’s job offers precious little time off, and logistics are a nightmare—think a possible flight (in a year when airports feel like a roll of the dice), no reliable pet sitter, and a schedule that would leave them just a handful of hours to actually enjoy the holiday before schlepping all the way home. Reasonable, right? Not if you’re the Father-in-Law (FIL), who seems to think “tradition” and “family togetherness” are trump cards that override reality.
FIL’s arsenal of guilt is extensive. First, he invokes the tradition (“You always come every X years!”), then he escalates to the sickly relatives (“You don’t want to regret not seeing them!”), and finally, he drops the mom card—because, after all, “Mom really needs you this year.” Never mind that the couple has already made trips up this year to support her. The holidays, apparently, make every family drama more urgent and every absence more tragic.
Guilt Trip? Try a Detour
But instead of caving, u/Ghost_Crier_97 gets inspired. If FIL wants to play the “spend time with family” card, why not take the suggestion literally—and visit everyone? Instead of letting FIL monopolize their precious hours at home, they’ll rent their own car (no chance of FIL pulling a “Sorry, the car isn’t available!” stunt), and make the rounds to see friends and relatives they’ve been missing.
Best of all? FIL will get his time—but not all the time. Our heroes will see everyone, not just him, and on their own terms. The ultimate petty revenge: honoring the spirit of togetherness, but refusing to let one person dictate the holiday schedule. It’s the festive equivalent of “Yes, and…”—but with just a dash of “Not so fast, Santa.”
The Art of (Petty) Holiday Negotiation
Why does this story resonate? Because family guilt trips are as much a holiday tradition as fruitcake and ugly sweaters. But here’s the lesson: boundaries are not just for January self-improvement lists. Sometimes, the most satisfying revenge is simply refusing to play the game—while still following the “rules” just enough to keep the peace.
If you find yourself dreading the next round of “But we always do Christmas at our house!” or “Grandma will be so disappointed…”, take a page from u/Ghost_Crier_97’s book:
- Get creative: There’s more than one way to see family. Spread the love—and the visits—around.
- Take control of logistics: Renting a car or controlling your own travel means no one gets to hold your schedule hostage.
- Honor your own needs: It’s okay to prioritize your job, your pets, and your sanity. The holidays should be for everyone, not just the loudest voice in the room.
Will FIL catch on to the plot twist? Will he pout in the corner while the rest of the family enjoys the couple’s whirlwind tour? Only time (and a promised Reddit update) will tell. One thing’s for sure: Christmas just got a little more interesting for everyone involved.
So, what’s your best “guilt trip gone wrong” story? Have you ever plotted a little holiday revenge of your own? Share your tales—and your tips—in the comments below. Let’s make this the season of boundaries, brilliance, and maybe just a sprinkle of pettiness.
Happy Holidays (and happy plotting)!
Original Reddit Post: My FIL thinks his guilt tripping will work in his favor